France, Feb. 2 -- In Mozambique, flood victims are beginning to return home despite the damage.

"My daughters came to pick up their children; they want the whole family to return to Chilembene," Aida Mondlane told RFI's special correspondent, standing in water up to her calves, worried. "I told them it was too dangerous, but they refuse to listen to me. So, I'm staying here until they call to tell me everyone made it through safely."

Five provinces, representing nearly half of the country's territory, remain severely affected by the floods that have plagued the nation since late December.

Much of the infrastructure has been destroyed and the government estimates reconstruction costs at nearly $650 million. Calls for aid

The United Nat...